Chad Stahelski set the standard for modern action movies with the first John Wick film, but perhaps what turns out to be even more astonishing, is the fact that he was able to consistently meet and progressively outdo the standard he initially set. John Wick Chapter 4 is by far the most technically proficient entry in the series yet, and despite its elongated runtime, manages to fill every second with heart-pumping thrills.
SYNOPSIS: After the events of John Wick Chapter 3 - Parabellum, John wages all out war on the members of the High Table.
Between the rushes of fantastic action scenes is by far the most compelling story in the franchise since the original, and perhaps even more so. This rampage that John has been on since the first film has finally put him in a position of questioning: When will it end? The film effectively translates a lot of themes revolving around peace and purpose as John interacts with a fantastic slew of supporting characters like the ever-so-talented Hiroyuki Sanada - who virtually doesn’t open his mouth without dropping a riveting quote- and Donnie Yen, who not only adds a whole other level of a very unique action style to his scenes, but an entirely different empathetic dimension to the film as well. Keanu Reeves isn’t exactly one to waste words in these movies, but in this film - even though he’s certainly giving more of a physical performance than anything - he makes every line count, and delivers some very punchy dialogue that I truly believe only he could pull off.
But the standouts don’t stop there, Rina Sawayama literally kills it in every scene she’s in, setting herself up as an imposing threat as quickly as she’s introduced, and just as quickly cementing her style and elegance on the big screen. Shamier Anderson plays a newcomer named Mr. Nobody who, while certainly entertaining, is given less to do holistically than his presence deserves. Bill Skarsgard is as intimidating as ever and brings his signature malevolent gaze up to bat effectively here as the main villain, ranking high among previous antagonists. Of course, with the recent passing of Lance Reddick, his inclusion in the film was bittersweet, but it served to remind us that the franchise truly wouldn’t have been the same without him. He was often the heart and the humor of the films, and he will be missed.
By definition, the main course of these films lies within their action scenes above all else. I’m consistently bewildered by the pure gall and physical resilience of everyone involved in the John Wick franchise, and with this fourth entry in the series, perhaps the most flat-out impressed I’ve ever been by it. There were multiple action set-pieces in the film that I truly couldn’t believe with my own eyes, and I strained at imagining even an ounce of the work required to make it all possible.
From the very first shot fired in a beautiful neon-drenched Osaka, it’s apparent that this film is a different beast altogether than what we’ve seen before. Utilities among waves of bad guys has been upgraded from thin linen to “chique-balistique” in bullet proof suits, so the super-accuracy that we’re so eager to expect from Wick’s rampages is met with equal resistant force. However, this doesn’t come close to stopping each bout to be any less creative, and perhaps encourages them to be even more so. Each action scene is a raw exhibition of stunt work, choreography, and execution on a level that is shamefully absent from other films in the genre. The phases in which each fight moves through feel elegant and meticulous in nature. From close quarter Gun-fu, hand-to-nunchuk, and samurai sword battles abound, the movie is at no shortage of innovative action tactics to keep you effortlessly engaged.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a John Wick film if not for John doing what he does best in a dance club with thunderous EDM resounding, as bystanders dance into a trance while he slaughters scores of bad guys before their very (averted) eyes. In this particular Berlin nightclub set piece however, the action is put slightly out of focus by the editing, which puts on full display the punctilious choreography in not-so glorious slow motion. This, coupled with the already campy club owner mini-boss John is fighting, make this scene fall slightly flat. While very distracting, and downright poorly placed, the film makes the smart choice of sticking to its very normal speed roots for the remainder of the film.
Just when it actually seems that things may be slowing down slightly as we reach Paris, France, the film doubles down and kicks it into the highest gear yet. The finale of this film is perhaps the most balls to the wall flurrying frenzy of action I have ever seen in my life. The multiple setpieces that incur are some of the most creative that have been put on film EVER, and somehow each successive scene continuously ups the ante. From an absolutely thrilling shootout amongst the swirling traffic near the Arc de Triomphe, follows perhaps the most elegant stroke of grace that the John Wick franchise has provided us yet in a face-melting overhead long take shot of John burning through wave after wave of oppressors. And if one wasn’t enough? Don’t hold your breath, because lightning strikes twice as the camera ONCE AGAIN lifts off above our protagonist, showcasing not only the glorious set-design, but the sheer level of flawless execution that this film’s stunt crew is operating on.
Moving into the final phase of the finale is a very clever set piece that takes place on a massive flight of stairs leading to the Sacre Coeur. This scene, while perhaps being the most simple, bears the most narrative weight and fits perfectly into place as the cherry on top of this massive action layer cake. This scene is definitely where I felt the most invested in the action, which is amazing considering the sheer breadth of everything that came before it, and I have to hand that to Stahelski as a director for making such an educated choice. The conclusion that this massive cluster of action finally results in, by the time it occurs, feels well realized and well deserved in every sense of the word.
While it can’t be said that the film is without fault, and without what we’ve naturally come to expect from this franchise thus far, what can be stated definitively above all else is that this film is the most expansive, bold entry in the franchise to date. Stahelski has truly honed in not only his abilities as an action director, but as a visual artist. A true beauty to witness in its moody colors and lighting, the visuals make experiencing the action scenes in the film feel like a bloodbathed euphoric trip. At times nearly overstimulating one's senses with punches and gunpowder, John Wick Chapter 4 owns every aspect of its hokey one-liners and witty BOLD subtitles to round out the story so far with an epic and resounding experience that film and action lovers alike won’t soon forget.
See it on the biggest screen possible!
8/10
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